Waterbury evening Democrat., 1887-12-15
WILLIAM CAMPBELL. JOHN SCOTT

WILLIAM CAMPBELL. JOHN SCOTT.
 FIVE OF THE RAIDERS EXECUTED.
 We had often said to each other that no matter who else might perish, Ross in some way would escape by reason of his high standing as a Mason. Probably the following narrative shows better than anything else the fearful resolution with which this deed of blood was carried through. MT. Scott continues:
 As we rose from our knees one of them-I am not sure at this late day whether Ross Camp bell-gave Masonic signal which craftsmen are only permitted to use in seasons of supreme peril. I recognized it instantly and took him aside and satisfied myself that he ''son of light.'' No one who has never been raised from dead level to q living perpendicular can appre- ciate my feelings. said with faltering voice:
 My brother, will do what can for you con- sstently with my obligations to the government to which owe allegiance"
 He replied: q ask for nothing more. We are about to be executed with only Q few hours | notice We had no intimation of it until you in- formed us. Now, can you not prevail on the mil itary authorities to respite us one or two days?'' replied II will make an honest effort.'' The other prisoners must have heard portion of the conversation, for they seemed quite eated. knew that I must act promptly, so leaving brother MacDonell to talk with them, left the cell and went down into the front prison yard where a squadron of cavalry were already drawn up. They had, found been waiting quietly for appearances. Col W. J. Lawton had on that day assumed command of the post. He an old and highly esteemed personal friend. told | him what had transpired in the cell, and urged him to respite them at least until the next day; that to execute them on such short notice would be utterly indefensible; that he could easily cut | off all possibility of escape. He of | generous impulses, and saw he was greatly | troubled and perplexed. He replied: T agree to all you say would most gladly afford them relief, but, he continued 'my orders | are peremptory. am required to execute them | today and have not the slightest discretion If I disobey my orders am liable to be cashiered l and dsgraced."
 l He proposed to show me his orders, but told | him his statement was sufficient.
 was compelled to return and announce my 1 failure. was then asked if I would transmit l some messages to their friends. said certainly, if the military authorities would allow it. They | then dictated their messages, brother MacDonell writing three in his memorandum book and writing four in mine. There were but slight verbal differences in their messages, and the fol- l lowing may be taken sample of the whole:
 II am to suffer death this afternoon for my loyalty. am true to the old flag and trust in 1 Gods mercy for salvation
 The name of the party and number of his regi- 1 ment was attached.
 The messages were not sent because of soma technical objections at the war department.
 Immediately after this failure to get the least respite in the memorable orders, the officers read the sentence of the court martial, which directed the hanging of the accused Gas soon as this order shall be made publc;" "between the 10th and 22d days of June inst.''
 When this cruel clause was first in. serted, it was probably thought that all the band would be convicted in the same manner, and then in one terrible hour all
 would be swept away with no opportu.
 nifty to leave any word behind! The re-
 fusal to send harmless message tc
 friends-a privilege that would not be de-
 nied to the most infamous criminal
 agrees with this view.
 It was the manner of death rather thar
 death itself which seemed so horrible tC
 ou.scomrades as they took their last leave
 Of us Most of them were also without
 any clear hope beyond the grave. A day
 even, to have sought divine favor would
 have been a priceless boon. Wilson wa:
 professed unbeliever, and many time
 had argued the truth of the Christian re
 ligion with me half a day at time; bu he said, "Pittinger, I believe you ar,
 right now! try to be better prepared whel you come to die than I am." I coult ) scarcely release his hand as he muttered
 s'God bless you,' and turned away
 Shadrack was careless, generous ant merry, though often eXcitable, and some times profane. Now he turned to us witt a forced calmness of voice which wa more affecting than a vail of agony q ) he said:
 '] TO BE CONTINUED.